Pahia

Pahia is a small rural locality in coastal Southland, New Zealand, not to be confused with the North Island tourist resort of Paihia. Surrounding areas include Ruahine, Wakapatu, Round Hill, Colac Bay and Orepuki. The main road, Orepuki-Riverton Hwy (section of New Zealand State Highway 99), runs through it. Pahia is 15 minutes from Riverton, 20 minutes from Tuatapere and 45 minutes from Invercargill.

A uniquely shaped hill visible from Bluff Hill to Sandhill Point

History

During the early years of European contact with New Zealand, Pahia was home to a substantial Māori village and island pā (fortified stronghold) near Cosy Nook (known locally as the "Old Pā"). The village served as an important contact point for European sealers and traders requiring potatoes and flax for the Australian market in the 1820s. The naming is uncertain. One theory is that the name 'Pahia' comes from the village Chief of the time, Tahu Pahia. The other theory is that it is a literal translation for 'slapped', referring to the hill resembling meals of mashed or pounded food.^[1]

It used to have rail running through, a cheese factory, forest industry and a small gold mining industry. It also once used to have a primary school named Pahia School, which closed its doors in 1997. Pahia is part of a historic trail with signage informing you of its history. The area today is made up of many farms, including sheep, dairy and deer.

Geographically Pahia lies between the thick, forest-covered Longwood Range and the Tasman Sea. There are outlooks in places over Te Waewae Bay and the Princess Mountains, and also Stewart Island/Rakiura. Pahia Hill, and across to Ruahine the Ruahine Hills and Mt Victoria make up some of the geographic landmarks. The weather on average is cooler than Central Otago but it is rare to have snow settle on the ground in Winter. Pahia is exposed to the weather coming from across the sea, but also sees its share of fine weather.

Nearby attractions

Cosy Nook, a very small fishing village
Porridge, a world famous surf spot

References

↑ Reed, A. W. (2010). Peter Dowling, ed. Place Names of New Zealand. Rosedale, North Shore: Raupo. p. 299. ISBN 9780143204107.

Towns and communities in the Southland District territorial authority

Five Rivers Ward	Athol Castlerock Fairlight Five Rivers Garston Josephville Lowther Lumsden Mossburn Nokomai Parawa Saint Patricks

Riverton Ward	Colac Bay Gummies Bush Orepuki Pahia Riverton/Aparima Thornbury Waipango

Stewart Island Ward	Oban

Te Anau Ward	Cascade Creek Knobs Flat Manapouri Milford Sound Te Anau The Key

Te Tipua Ward	Brydone Edendale Glencoe Morton Mains Ota Creek Seaward Downs Te Tipua Waitane

Toetoes Ward	Curio Bay Fortification Fortrose Glenham Haldane Mokoreta Niagara Otara Pine Bush Pukewao Quarry Hills Redan Slope Point Titiroa Te Peka Tokanui Waipapa Point Waikawa Waimahaka Wyndham

Tuatapere Ward	Blackmount Clifden Merrivale Monowai Papatotara Piko Piko Pukemaori Te Tua Te Waewae Tuatapere

Waihopai Ward	Ashers Dacre Gorge Road Grove Bush Kapuka Kapuka South Longbush Mabel Bush Makarewa Mokotua Oteramika Rakahouka Rimu Roslyn Bush Timpanys Woodlands

Waikaia Ward	Ardlussa Balfour Kauhoe Riversdale Waikaia Wendon Wendonside

Wallace Ward	Drummond Fairfax Isla Bank Nightcaps Ohai Otahuti Otautau Wairio Wreys Bush

Wallacetown Ward	Branxholme Lochiel Ryal Bush Spar Bush Tussock Creek Waianiwa Wallacetown Waimatuku

Winton Ward	Benmore Browns Caroline Centre Bush Dipton Dipton West Hedgehope Kauana Lady Barkly Limehills Oreti Plains Otapiri South Hillend Springhills Winton

Coordinates: 46°20′S 167°45′E / 46.333°S 167.750°E / -46.333; 167.750

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